Turkey: We’re ready to help TZ attain industrial growth...
The Turkish Ambassador to
Tanzania, H.E Yasemin Eralp, discusses the growth of trade and improvement of
economic relations between the two countries. Excerpts…
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Turkey reopened its embassy in Dar
es Salaam in 2009 after it was closed in the mid-1980s due to financial
constraints. The Eurasian country, which in recent years witnessed rapid
economic growth, has set its eyes on cooperating with African countries,
including Tanzania.
In this interview with The Citizen
on Sunday senior reporter Florence Mugarula, the Turkish Ambassador to
Tanzania, H.E Yasemin Eralp, discusses the growth of trade and improvement of
economic relations between the two countries. Excerpts…
What is the current relations
between Turkey and Tanzania?
We are enjoying excellent bilateral
relations with Tanzania. Africa is one of the priorities of Turkish foreign
policy. Ten years ago the Turkish government adopted a new strategy towards
Africa and decided to be more active. We opened many embassies all over the
continent. In 2009, we only had 12 embassies and today 39.
Our embassy in Dar es Salaam was
first opened in 1981, but due to financial constraints, it was closed down in
mid 1980s. Following the new strategy towards Africa, in 2009, Turkey reopened
its embassy in Dar es Salaam.
Our bilateral relations are
satisfactory and we are trying to improve them. We have good cooperation
mechanisms like political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign
Affairs and Joint Economic Commission.
Since 2009, we have signed many
agreements which create legal basis of our relations. Some other agreements are
still on the table and we hope to conclude them soon. We realised several
mutual high level visits and we will continue.
Tanzania and Turkey have been
cooperating in various areas. What is the status of economic and trade
relations between the two countries?
Trade and economic relations are far
from reflecting the real potential. I am glad to say that we already have a
business community in Tanzania and they are doing well.
Turkish products here are very
popular. On the other hand, there is more room to strengthen economic and
commercial relations. One of my priorities is to attract more investors from
Turkey to Tanzania.
I should say that there is serious
interest from Turkey, almost every week I receive some Turkish businessmen from
different cities of Turkey and next month I expect a business delegation from
Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board.
I recently met Prime Minister
Majaliwa, we had a very useful talk and I am very pleased that his approach is
very similar to mine.
I also met many members of cabinet
and all my Tanzanian counterparts are willing to improve economic relations
with Turkey and they would like to see more Turkish investments in Tanzania.
What is the trade volume between
Turkey and Tanzania?
Trade volume between the two
countries has almost tripled since 2009. In 2009 trade volume stood at $66
million (Sh145.2 billion), today it is around $160 million (Sh352 billion).
I am very glad to see that thanks to
the Turkish Airlines daily flights, many Tanzanians are now travelling to
Turkey for business purposes. It means we also have unregistered trade. As I
told you demand for Turkish products is increasing.
Where do you see trade and business
going between Turkey and Tanzania in the coming years?
The situation is promising, we
expect a boom in the coming years. Tanzania has natural resources, and we have
industry. Tanzania needs serious construction and infrastructure projects and
we have many good companies which might be interested in those projects.
I believe that Turkish companies can
secure tenders in those areas and thus participate in building up economy and
strengthen businesses between the two countries. The most significant is that,
there is strong political will from both sides to create new cooperation areas.
We see Tanzania as an equal partner
and improving economic relations is for favour of both sides. We want to
achieve win-win solutions.
We are also ready to share our
experiences with Tanzania. Turkey was not like that 20 years ago. Thanks to our
EU membership process, we realised fundamental reforms in democracy, human
rights, economy and justice. Those are very helpful to attract more foreign
direct investments.
As a diplomat, how do you assess the
performance of President John Magufuli’s government?
We are following the policies
carried out by the new government. President Magufuli has the support of
Tanzanian people. He is also very popular in other African countries. Now we
see the optimism in Tanzania and this is very positive.
I do appreciate to see the
government’s determination in fighting against corruption and mismanagement.
Turkey is true friend of Tanzania and we always had good relations and
supported the government. We will continue on that track.
With the current political stalemate
in Zanzibar, does the situation affect businesses between Tanzania and Turkey?
What do you think should be done to end the problem?
No there is no impact. However, we
are concerned about the situation in Zanzibar. We closely have been following
the matter since October 25th.
That issue has to be solved by
dialogue and compromise according to the principles of democracy and rule of
law. We have historical ties with Zanzibaris and we would like to see their
wellbeing and prosperity.
Recently, the government restricted
Ambassadors and diplomats in the country meeting or organising appointment with
politicians without approval from the government, what is your take on that?
I don’t feel myself as if
restricted. We, diplomats have to respect the rules of hosting countries.
Actually, according to the tradition of diplomacy, the first counterpart of
foreign diplomatic missions is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host
country. Embassies should make all their correspondence through the Ministry. I
have been in Dar for five months and have met many officials in and outside of
the city.
I always send verbal notes to the
ministry and kindly ask their assistance in arranging necessary appointments.
So, I will continue to do that. On the other hand, depending on the content of
the issue, when it is necessary we used to follow up the matters before the
relevant home authorities, we will also continue to do that.
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